WALKING WOUNDED:Richmond have an almost full list to choose from with only one major absentee heading into the first game of the season. Nathan Foley is likely to spend the first 4-6 weeks on the sidelines as he recovers from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Dylan Grimes played three quarters for Coburg in the VFL last weekend, but is unlikely to be considered as he continues his recovery from hamstring surgery. David Astbury (foot) is the only other Tiger on the injury list.

Carlton's main injury concern surrounds the fitness of key forward Jarrad Waite, who is battling a calf problem. The Blues will likely wait until he is 100 percent fit before risking one of their most important players. Andrew Collins (ankle) and David Ellard (hamstring) are the other two notable players on the injury list, while fringe players Nick Graham (knee), Pat McCarthy (heel), Andrew McInnes (knee) and Rhys O'Keeffe (foot) are all a while off.

FORM:Richmond had an impressive pre-season that yielded four wins and just one loss. After splitting their opening-round abbreviated matches, the Tigers won their past three full length clashes against Essendon, Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs.

Carlton qualified for the NAB Cup grand final on the back of victories over Sydney, GWS and Fremantle and a close loss to Adelaide. But in the pre-season decider the Blues were put to the sword by a hungrier Brisbane Lions outfit, who cruised to a 40-point win.